Arnold W. Crawford

 

Arnold was born in Glen Castle, NY.  He was predeceased by his mother Sadie and father Merlin Crawford; two sisters Alua and Alice Riley; four brothers, Ralph, Francis, Donald and Lawrence.  In 2015 his wife of seventy years Perle (Swift) Crawford died.  

Arnold is survived by two nieces, Ann (William) Comerota and Mary Coffey; two nephews, Thomas and David Riley; one grand niece, Amanda Coffey and two grand nephews, Christopher Comerota and Patrick Riley.  

Arnold was a very proud American.  The day after Pearl Harbor he joined the US Navy.  “It was the right thing to do.”…He said.  “We had to protect our country.”  Serving as a signalman aboard the USS Ludlow, he participated in three invasions.  

After discharge he married Perle and worked as a film maker for the Ozlid Corporation in Johnson City.  A favorite memory of working was eating! Every Friday the crew would send out for chili dogs from Tony’s Texas Hots.  At 96 he still enjoyed every bite.  Another treat was the mac and cheese at the Old Union Hotel.  Many times he told Andy….”This is the best I have ever tasted.”

In 2006 Perle and Arnold moved into an apartment in Hilltop.  Arnold tended to Perle’s every need, grew wonderful flowers and loved to drive anywhere and everywhere.

Following Perle’s death in 2015 he moved into assisted living.  Smartly dressed with a great smile and always wearing a bolo tie, he was off! With determination and the trusty walker.  He was, at times, a hard man to find.  The staff and friends at Hilltop surely improved his life. 

When health issues increased Arnold moved into the Veterans Home at Oxford, “I never thought I would get in…” He said many times, this old sailor did “get in.”  He was proud, happy and received excellent care.  

Funeral services will be held on June 9, 2018 at 11AM in the Glen Castle United Methodist church, Pastor Jim Collins will officiate.  Internment with military honors will take place at the Glen Castle Rural Cemetery.  

Arnold’s favorite meal will be served at the church. Please plan to attend.